Available Finance Tracks
In addition to the required courses for the finance degree, students need to complete a number of elective courses. Students may select their elective courses to pursue a specialized track based on their interests.
Based on a student’s interest, below are suggested tracks and their associated elective courses. More elective courses are listed than required for the major. As tracks are not required and are not listed in the catalog, students may pick and choose which courses to take or take more than the required elective courses if they have room in their overall credit load and have interest.
Financial Planning
The Department of Finance offers the Financial Planning minor, which provides the coursework necessary to register for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) exam. Students interested in this field should register for the Financial Planning minor. A student can earn the Financial Planning minor and qualify to take the CFP® exam by taking all of the following elective courses in addition to the Finance required courses.
Corporate Finance
Corporate finance addresses funding sources, capital structuring, and investment decisions, as well as the accounting of a company. Corporate finance focuses on maximizing shareholder value through long-term and short-term financial and operational planning and analysis, as well as implementing various strategies. There is a broad range of careers in corporate finance within Fortune 500 companies and smaller businesses, as all businesses and industries rely on financial expertise.
Business Analytics
Business Analytics teaches students not only how to find and analyze data, but also how to craft a compelling narrative that solves business problems and drives better decisions.
Asset Management, Investment Banking, and Private Equity / Venture Capital
Asset managers manage a company’s assets, including money, property, and investments. Investment banking is a financial service that helps businesses and governments raise money and manage complex financial transactions. Investment bankers act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, advising clients on transactions and managing the process.
The private equity and venture capital field focuses on investing capital into businesses to accelerate growth and maximize financial returns. Venture capital firms back early-stage, high-risk startups with disruptive potential, while private equity firms typically acquire established, mature companies to optimize their operations.
Integrated Business Core (IBC)
Students write business plans, pitch to loan committees, manage inventory, and handle company finances. Every student is required to rotate through different positions across marketing, operations, and finance to develop well-rounded skills. Student companies operate on-campus and online, presenting financial and operational reviews to advisory boards throughout the semester.